Doug Dickerson

Doug Dickerson is an award winning columnist and director of Management Moment Leadership Services. He is the author of the new book, Leaders Without Borders: 9 Essentials for Everyday Leaders. Visit www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to learn more.

Embracing a ?More Beyond? Attitude

In Valladolid, Spain, where Christopher Columbus died in 1506, stands a monument commemorating the renowned discoverer. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the monument is a statue of a lion destroying one of the Latin words that had been part of Spain’s motto for centuries.

Before Columbus made his voyages, the Spaniards thought they had reached the outer limits of earth. Thus their motto was “Ne Plus Ultra,” which means “No More Beyond.” The word being torn away by the lion is “Ne” or “no,” making it read “Plus Ultra.” Columbus had proven that there indeed was “more beyond.”

Think of how different life would be had it not been for people who pushed beyond what they knew in their day to make way for the things we now enjoy. Findings in a Top 10 (http://bit.ly/15Dkscr) survey of the top inventions of the past 100 years are ranked from 1-10 as follows: the light bulb, the internet, printing press, telephone, automobiles, television, camera, toilet, airplanes, and metal gear solid. Our lives now revolve around the practicality and usefulness of each invention thanks in part to those who dared to believe that there was more beyond.

Embracing a ‘more beyond’ attitude is essential to your success as a leader. The challenges you face are not unique to others but your attitude is uniquely yours. To transition from “Ne Plus Ultra” to a “Plus Ultra” mindset you must engage a ‘more beyond’ attitude. Here are four steps to get you started.

Don’t let others define you. It is important to be comfortable in your own skin. It is equally important to not be defined by what others say, think, or believe about you. You are a masterpiece and your life’s blueprint is an original not a replica of someone else. As you grow in confidence you can shape your future and be the person you were created to be and the leader you can become. The ‘more beyond’ tip – be yourself.

What hasn’t been done is possible. Thomas Edison was one of the inventors from the Top 10 list. Edison understood failure and disappointment. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” He embraced a ‘more beyond’ attitude and overcame his negative circumstances. Just because something hasn’t been done, tried, or has been rejected in the past doesn’t mean it’s not possible. It simply means that destiny has been waiting on your arrival. The ‘more beyond’ tip – remove your limitations.

You need courage to blaze new trails. The Spaniards motto for centuries had been set in stone; “Ne Plus Ultra.” Blazing new trails and overcoming traditional ways of thinking can be difficult. A ‘more beyond’ attitude takes the courage of a lion to break away from old views. As Columbus overcame centuries-old beliefs he opened up New Worlds and new possibilities never before known. Courageous leadership is needed today to help others discover new possibilities yet to be fulfilled. Leadership is not for the faint of heart. The ‘more beyond’ tip – don’t be afraid.

You can begin today. Everything worthwhile has a starting point. The inventors had starting points. Great writers begin on page one. Great sculptors have a chisel and stone. Great artist have a canvas and a brush. What is in your hand? What is in your heart? Where does your journey begin that will take you to the place of your dreams? Your ‘more beyond’ attitude begins with the recognition that you will never achieve your dreams tomorrow unless you take action today. Your destiny awaits- what are you waiting on? The ‘more beyond’ tip – there is no time like the present.